Ko’ula, Ward Village

Urban amenities meet island living in Honolulu’s newest master-planned community, Ward Village, where residences, retail and commercial space collide across 60 acres. At the center of the emerging, high-end development from Howard Hughes Corporation is Ko’ula Ward Village.

Designed by Studio Gang, the 41-story residential tower features undulating sculptural columns on the façade, which evoke the twisting structure of sugar cane reeds formerly grown nearby. The connection between architecture and nature continues in the residences, angled to capture views of the ocean, city and mountains, as well as the main amenity floor—the Grand Lanai—which extends from the interior outside to a massive pool deck.

Morlights was responsible for lighting all of Ward Village’s public spaces. On the pool deck, tape light and toe kicks provide adequate vertical illumination at the edge of the pool, and on the outdoor bar and dining space. Additional tape light around the edges of sunshades illuminates the grills below, which are further accented by spotlights.

Permanently installed floor lamps transition guests inside, where an intricate, paneled wood ceiling anchors multiple smaller amenity areas. Monopoint track heads in gaps between the ceiling panels achieve a moody living-room vibe in the central room, while spaces like the fitness center use a combination of uplight and downlight to avoid glare on screens. 

Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) technology ties the lighting together, while achieving multiple project goals. On the pool deck, for example, lighting is programmed to naturally progress through the evening, remaining safe and attractive without disturbing residents or using excess energy. Inside, digital controls enable lighting to be addressed and adjusted based on the needs of each different space. Daylight and occupancy sensors, as well as preset scenes, inform light levels in each area—from the locker rooms to the bars. The tower may be one of the first DALI applications in the area, but thanks to the result—a high-end, dynamic space that ensures guest comfort and safety—it will likely not be the last.